Diocese of Gary

Growing in Faith is the catechist formation program for adults involved in elementary and youth faith formation.

The goal of this program is to certify new and current catechists in three areas: Elementary Methods, Adolescent Methods and Faith Formation. The program also provides support and resources to the parish directors of religious education programs and their catechist. Guideline and measurement tools are established to ensure the adequate professional development of our catechists.

Directors of Religious Education (DREs) are provided with an informational packet which outlines requirements for catechist certification as well as an assessment tool to determine which requirements a catechist meets and which areas require further work.

In general, the GIF methods courses are scheduled in September of a calendar year. Other courses can be arranged throughout the year on parish sites by contacting the GIF Coordinator. Certificates are printed and given to parish DREs for distribution at the parish level.

Catechists and DREs can choose from other programs or opportunities to help reach certification in the faith formation area. Diocesan programs like the "Annual Conference", or educational workshops and seminars can be attended if the catechist’s participation is verified by the parish DRE. A DRE can also use the "Echoes of Faith" video series to provide parish based catechist training in methods and faith formation. These videos are available from the Office of Religious Education.

Over the years the "Growing In Faith" program has certified hundreds of catechist. Parishes who use the Growing in Faith program tend to have more qualified and competent catechists in the classroom. It remains one of the best programs to help train catechists for the important ministry of catechesis.

Requirements for:

Elementary Methods Certificate 22 hours of Methodology	Adolescent Methods Certificate 22 hours of Methodology	Faith Formation Certificate 50 hours of Theology (5 core courses)
Introduction to Text 2 hours	Introduction to Resources 2 hours	Introduction to Scripture 10 hours
Elementary Methods I 6 hours	Adolescent Methods I 6 hours	Sacramental Theology 10 hours
Elementary Methods II 6 hours	Adolescent Methods II 6 hours	Christian Morality 10 hours
Faith Formation & Enrichment 8 hours	Faith Formation & Enrichment 8 hours	The Church 10 hours
		Liturgy and Spirituality 10 hours

For more information or a brochure
contact:

Frank Zolvinski
219.769.9292 ext. 230
email

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